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I received an email today from the Organic Consumers Association asking for my help to assist by signing a petition that will help farmers to continue to raise free-range chickens.

They needs your help too, and its imperative that we spread the word to get thousands of signees. Basically, the USDA’s National Organics Program refuses to allow farmers to allow their hens to roam outside. The FDA is trying to make it difficult for farmers to raise free-range hens. By singing this petition you’re fighting against the FDA and the USDA.

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a Federal Advisory Committee comprised of the following members of the organic community:

Four farmers/growers

Three environmentalists/resource conservationists

Three consumer/public interest advocates

Two handlers/processors

One retailer

One scientist (toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry)

One USDA accredited certifying agent

Their main goal is to protect the purity of organic standards and advance the integrity of organic products and practices. Well, the USDA’s National Organics Program refuses to enforce standards set by the National Organic Standards Board to allow farmers to have their hens roam outside. We need to assist these organic farms to win this battle.

Not allowing hens to roam outside to eat seeds, pasture, insects, worms, and grains will take away the high nutrients they’re known for having. Roaming outside in the natural environment is a major factor in raising “free-range” eggs. What are free-range eggs? Free-range eggs are from hens that live outdoors or have access to the outdoors.

Image credit: Cliff Despeaux

Free-range hens produce far more nutritious eggs. According to Mother Earth News, eggs from hens raised on pasture show 4 to 6 times as much vitamin D as typical supermarket eggs. In their 2007 study they concluded that compared to official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient data for commercial eggs, eggs from hens raised on pasture may contain:

1⁄3 less cholesterol

1⁄4 less saturated fat

2⁄3 more vitamin A

2 times more omega-3 fatty acids

3 times more vitamin E

7 times more beta carotene

It’s best to say, “free-range eggs are healthier.” Lets fight by signing this petition to keep it that way.

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